UNIZIK JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HUMAN RELATIONS

In many countries, including Nigeria, cultural, religious, and social conventions continue to limit women's roles in governance, making their political participation a contested issue. These systemic barriers have contributed to theological and societal narratives that reinforce exclusion and undermine the contributions of women in leadership. This paper explores a theology of empowerment that affirms women's active involvement in political leadership, grounded in biblical principles. Drawing on scriptural examples such as Deborah (Judges 4 5), Esther, and the woman described in Proverbs 31, the study presents a biblical vision of gender inclusion and highlights the historical presence of women in roles of authority and decision-making. This adopts a qualitative textual analysis of biblical passages and existing theological literature that relate to gender, justice, and leadership, while employing contextual theology to engage Nigeria’s sociopolitical realities. The analysis demonstrates that empowering women in political spaces is consistent with biblical values such as stewardship, justice, and service. It critiques theological misinterpretations that have historically excluded women and calls for a Christ-centered model of leadership that promotes justice and equity for all. The paper ultimately advocates for a theologically transformative perspective that empowers women to serve in government as a faithful expression of their Christian identity and a practical response to current cultural and political challenges

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